BINTULU: The Ministry of Works will prioritise road repairs in Sarawak based on the economic impact of the particular road.

Minister of Works Datuk Shaziman Abu Mansor said the economic impact would be based on priorities such as link roads to airports, industrial areas, ports, tourism or even farms.

Due to the many industries coming into Sarawak such as the aluminium smelter in Mukah, he said, the ministry would review the need to upgrade the road from Sibu to Bintulu, especially from Tatau to Bintulu.

“At the same time a new road from Balingian to Sibu-Bintulu federal road will also be upgraded.”

He told the media this during his visit and inspection of Tatau road yesterday. Road upgrading, he said, would improve transportation for those who invest in Mukah, especially from Bintulu Port and Bintulu Airport.

“For the future needs, the ministry will continue to cooperate with the Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak and the Sarawak state government to see the need for new road construction based on its impact,” he said.

In terms of the quality of roads built, he said, it is the same and there is no difference from the roads in peninsular Malaysia.

He said the distance of Sibu-Tatau Road is 60km and would cost RM10 million, while the cost for the Balingian road to Sibu-Bintulu federal road is RM103 million. Most of the land in Sarawak is peat soil, he said, which causes undulating roads.

“The roads to be upgraded are to facilitate the transportation of palm oil, aluminium and coal.”

He added that many investors are attracted to Mukah and projects such as the aluminium smelter plant would be in need of good infrastructure.